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AMPHOE AMPHAWA
Tha Kha Floating Market
The Tha Kha floating market takes place on the 2nd, 7th, 12th days
of both the waxing and waning moon of the lunar calendar, and also
operates on every Saturday and Sunday from 6.00 a.m. to noon. This
is a rendezvous of vendor boats that carry local food, vegetable,
and fruit for selling. Boat rental services are on offer for travelling
to the villages and fruit orchards around Tha Kha Floating Market.
Visitors wishing to go the Tha Kha Floating Market can go by car,
taking the Highway No. 325 (Samut Songkhram - Bang Pae), take a
right turn at Km. 32 and proceed for another 5 Kilometres You can
also take the local buses servicing the Mae Klong Damnoen Saduak
Route and the Tha Kha - Don Sam Route from the market in town in
front of the Thai Military Bank.
Wat Khao Yee San
Wat Khao Yee San is an old temple. It is believed to have been
constructed in late Ayutthaya period. The interesting attraction
is a boat shaped building (Wihan) situated on top of the mountain.
There, enshrined, are the 4 traces of Lord Buddhas Footprints. The
Mondop and wooden doors are of a supreme craftsmanship. There also
is Luang Pho Poo Pu Sriracha Shrine, which is highly revered by
all. The worship fair of Luang Pho Poo Pu Sriracha is held annually
in the middle of November.
Amphoe Amphawa
The Amphawa district is an important place and is much involved
with Thai history from the Ayutthaya period to the early Rattanakosin
period. In the past, it was called Khwaeng Bang Chang, the small
community prospered in both agriculture and commerce. There are
credible evidences that suggest that during King Prasatthong era,
Kwaeng Bang Chang had a market called Bang Chang Market. Ms. Noi
was the head of the market who had a title of Thao Kaeo Phaluek.
She was a member of the Bang Chang family a very rich family. Later,
the family was granted the surname of Na Bang Chang by the King.
In the year 2303 B.E. (1760), during the reign of King Ekkathat
in the late of Ayutthaya era, he promoted Nai Thong Duang (later
to become King Rama I) to the position of Luang Yok Krabat governing
Muang Ratchaburi, the fourth-grade city under Ayutthaya. Later,
Luang Yokkrabat married Khun Nak, a daughter of the rich Bang Chang
family, they settled behind Wat Chulamani. Some time later, the
house was gutted from a fire, so they relocated to a new house behind
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, where they stayed for 3 years.
In 2310 B.E. (1767), the Burmese conquered Ayutthaya, Luang Yokkrabat
and his family escaped to the deep of the jungles. At that time,
Than Kaeo (Somdet Krom Phra Srisudarak) an elder sister of Luang
Yokkrabat gave birth to a daughter named Boon Rod (who later became
Princess Srisuriyenthara Borommarachinee, the queen to King Rama
II). When Phraya Wachiraphrakarn gathered an army and was able to
repel the Burmese, he was crowned as King Taksin. So Luang Yokkrabat
and his family moved back to their hometown.
At that time, Khun Nak gave birth to their fourth son, Chim (who
later became King Rama II). After that Luang Yokkrabat served King
Taksin. He received the title of Phrarajawarin Chao Krom Phra Tamruajnokkwa,
then was promoted to Prince Phrayamahakasatsuek and later on was
crowned as King Rama I, the founder of Chakri Dynasty. Khun Nak,
his wife, was promoted to Queen (Somdej Amarintharamat). Khun San,
Khun Nak's mother, was promoted to Princess Phrarubsirisopharkmahanaknari.
But because Queen Amarintharamat was a native of Bang Chang, she
had many close relatives who owned fruit orchards at Bang Chang.
When promoted to Queen Amarintharamat, she became a noble Bang Chang.
Therefore her relatives are related to the noble Bang Chang Family.
Somdet Phra Amarintharamat always visited her relatives, so it was
called Suan Nok which means the suburb that belonged to members
of the queen's family. Bangkok, the region of the royal family was
called Suan Nai. The catchphrase of Bang Chang Suan Nork, Bangkok
Suan Nai was used until the reign of King Rama IV.
Bencharong House
The Bencharong House is located on Samut Songkhram - Bang Phae Road.
This is where beautiful Bencharong crockery that represents the
exquisite craftsmanship and the beauty of Thai Art, are produced.
The Bancharong crockery is suitable for household use as well as
for house decoration. Visitors could see the Bencharong crockery
production process.
King Rama II Memorial Park
This park was built under the project to honour King Rama II, run
by the King Rama II Phraboromrachanusorn Foundation under royal
patronage. It is built to commemorate his great patron to the arts
and culture, which become a national heritage. Phra Rajsamutmatee,
the abbot of Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram, offered the area of 11 Rais
(4.4 acres) for the construction of the park. This area was very
important because it was a royal birthplace King Rama II.
In the park, there are many places of interest including King Rama
II Museum - 4 buildings built in traditional Thai architectural
style. The museum displays the ancient art objects dating back to
early Rattanakosin era, the lifestyle of the Thais during King Rama
II period. Other attractions are: Ho Klang (main hall) houses the
statue of King Rama II and artefacts. Ho Non Chai depicts the Thai
men lifestyle. Ho Non Ying depicts the Thai women lifestyle. Chan
Ruean (corridor) depicts the traditional Thai style house. Kitchen
and Bathroom depicts the traditional Thai kitchen style and bathroom
of the middle class. Furthermore, there is an out-door theatre,
a botanical garden containing various species of trees found in
Thai literature, shops selling local goods and various kinds of
fruit.
Getting there: take Highway No. 35 (Thonburi - Pak Tho route),
at Km. 63 marker, turn right to Highway No. 325 for another 6 Kilometres
(pass through the Samu Songkram town), drive on another 1 kilometre
on a left side to the park. From Samut Songkhram town, there is
Bang Mun Nak Line bus, catch it at the Muang Municipality Market.
The park and museum are open daily from 09.00-18.00. The Admission
is 5 baht for children, and 10 Baht for adults. Contact tel: 0-3475-1367,
0-3475-1666 for more information.
Orchid Farm
This Orchid Farm is located on Samut Songkhram - Bang Phae Road.
It is a tourist stopping point with a beautiful orchid farm and
butterfly farms. It is open from 08.00.-11.00.
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram
Wat Amphawan Chetiyaram is located near King Rama II Memorial Park.
This temple belongs to the Bang Chang family. It was constructed
by Princess Phrarubsirisopharkmahanaknari, the mother of Queen Amarintharamat.
The area behind this temple was the residence of Luang Yokkrabat
and Khun Nak. It is believed that area about the position of the
chedi at present of Wat Amphawan is the place where Khun Nak gave
birth to a son (Khun Chim) who later became King Rama II.
Later, Wat Amphawan was renovated by King Rama III, IV, and V.
At present it is a second class royal monastery. The beautiful main
building and precious antiques inside the temple are of an early
Rattanakosin period architectural and arts style.
Wat Phummarin Kudi Thong
This temple is located on the bank of Mae Klong River, on the west
side of the end of Phrachachuen canals mouth. It is accessible by
boat from Wat Amphawan pier or King Rama II Memorial Park pier.
An interesting attraction in the temple is the Kudee Thong (golden
hermitage). According to a legend, Khun Nak's millionaire father
asked the abbot of Wat Bang Li to foretell Khun Nak's fortune. The
abbot predicted that Khun Nak would become a Queen. Khun Nak's father
then vowed that he will build the golden hermitage for Wat Bang
Li if the prediction came true, hence the reason for the name of
Wat Ban Li Kudi Thong. Later, Wat Bang Li was flooded and part of
the land was gouged out by water, so the Kudi Thong was taken down
and reconstructed at this temple.
AMPHOE BAN KHONTHI
Boat Tours
From Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram town, visitors could travel by
boat to see scenic views of Mae Klong riverside. Along the banks
of the Mae Klong, there are coconut groves and ancient style Thai
houses, which are rare nowadays, in the areas of Tambon Kwae Om
and Tambon Muang Mai. The adjacent areas of Amphoe Amphawa and Amphoe
Bang Khonthi features lychee orchards. The lychee contest is held
yearly from April to May.
Khai Bang Kung
Khai Bang Kung is located at Mu 4, Tambon Bang Kung. It is a famous
old Naval Forces Camp that is etched into Thai history. It was a
location of great strategic importance to and great heroism of the
Mae Klong people over invaders during late Ayutthaya going on to
the Thonburi periods. Both Thai and Chinese soldiers, under the
leadership of King Taksin The Great, annihilated and repelled the
invading Burmese army. This powerful camp was indeed feared by the
Burmese.
Khai Bang Kung (Bang Kung Camp) was left deserted for almost 200
years. Then, in 1967, the Ministry of Education established a Boy
Scout camp here in honour of King Taksin The Great. King Taksin's
Shrine was also built to commemorate his historic deeds. The Shrine
erecting ceremony was held on June 20, 1968. The old Wat Bot and
Wat Bang Kung are also located in this Camp area. Within the main
building is a large stucco Buddha image that locals called Luang
Pho Bot Noi. There are also murals of late Ayutthaya period depicting
the story of Lord Buddha's life. Getting there: take the route of
Samut Songkhram - Bang Nok Khwaek (the same route to King Rama II
Memorial Park). Before reaching the Church of the Virgin Mary, take
a left turn to cross the Somdet Phra Ammarin Bridge, and then turn
left again and continue for another 10 Kilometres
The Church of the Virgin Mary or Asanawihan Maephrabangkerd
This church is located at Mu 7, Tambon Bang Nok Khwaek. The church
is a holy worshipping place for Christian families living around
the area. It was constructed in 1890 A.D. by Father Paolo Salmone,
a French Missionary. The construction of the church took 6 years.
Built in French Gothic architectural style. The windows are decorated
with stained glass. Within the church, there is a Statue, a pulpit,
a holy water basin, various kinds of candelabra, and carvings depicting
various historical points in the Bible.
It is located about 100 metres further from Somdet Phra Ammarin
Bridge. You can also get there by renting a long-tailed boat from
the pier at Amphoe Sam Phran District Office.
Wat Charoen Sukharam Worawihan and Fish Sanctuary
This temple is located at Bang Nok Khwaek and about 4 Kilometres
from Amphoe Muang. Luang Pho Toa Buddha image, which is highly revered
by people, is enshrined in the main building (Ubosot). The body
of the Buddha image is made of laterite and cast in the attitude
of Subduing Mara of Sukhothai period style. Measuring 178 cms. wide
at the lap and 208 cms. high from the base to the tip of the tonsure.
In front of the temple, there are various kinds of fish in the stream,
especially silver and red-tail tinfoil barbs. To get there, take
the Samut Songkhram - Bang Nok Khwaek Route, passing the Church
of the Virgin Mary, cross the Bang Nok Khwaek Bridge and then turn
right onto an access road for 500 metres.
AMPHOE MUEANG
Don Hoi Lot
Don Hoi Lot It is a bar at the mouth of the Mae Klong River, created
by sedimentation of sandy soil or Khee Ped Sand as called by the
locals. It occupies a vast area 3 Kilometres wide and 5 Kilometres
long. There are two places: Don Nok, located at the mouth of Mae
Klong Gulf which can be accessed by boat. The second is Don Nai,
located at Chu Chi villages beach, Tambon Bang Cha Kreng and at
Bang Bo Villages' Beach, Tambon Bang Kaeo; which can be reached
by car. This bar contains various species of mollusc such as Hoi
Lai, Hoi Puk (Ridged Venus clam), Hoi Pak Ped, Hoi Khraeng (scallop),
and most abundant is the of Hoi Lot (worm shells).
Worm Shells have 2 shells which resemble a straw and a muddy white
meat. It lives in the muddy sand. Catching the worm shell is best
done at low tide. The way to catch a worm shell is by using a little
wooden stick dipped in lime and plaster mixture and sticking it
into the worm shells hole. The worm shell will be agitated by the
mixture and will come to the surface and caught. It is not advisable
to dump the lime and plaster mixture onto the ground as will likely
kill all kinds of molluscs living there. The best time of the year
to catch the worm shells are during the months of March to May,
when they are in season.
A very important site within the Chu Chi Village area at Don Hoi
Lot is the Shrine of Prince Chumphon Khet-udomsak which is highly
revered by all Thais. There are also restaurants and stalls selling
a vast variety of local products such as fresh-dried worm shell,
fresh-dried seafood, fish sauce, Khlong Khon shrimp paste, palm
sugar, and palm juice, and many others.
HOW TO GET THERE
Travelling to Chu Chi Villages Beach at Tambon Bang Chakreng by-passing
the access road to Samut Songkhram and going on for another 3 kilometres.
Before you reach the Phutthaloetlanaphalai bridge, at the foot of
the bridge, there is a 5 Kilometres access road to Don Hoi Lot.;
Travelling to Bang Bo Villages Beach at Tambon Bang Kaew. Starting
from the opposite side of the road from the Highway Weighing Station
on Thonburi-Paktho Roadside. Just one Kilometre before you reach
the access road to Samut Songkhram, on your left, there will be
a sign pointing to Don Hoi Lot. Take this road - a laterite road
4 Kilometres long to Don Hoi Lot. The road is not convenient for
large vehicles;
By boat to Don Nok. There are many kinds of boat that will take
you there, they are available at the Mae Klong river pier. For groups,
please contact (Sun Huad Heng Wood Mill) at 711-466 or call the
Boat Ticket Counter at Mae Klong River, Samut Songkhram in advance;
Taking a Song-Thaeo (local truck) from the market in Mueang Samut
Songkram to Ban Chu Chi. The Song-Thaeo runs all day.
Wat Ban Laem or Wat Phet Samut Worawihan
This temple is located in Samut Songkhram town. The former name
is Wat Sri Champa. It is the most important temple of the province.
According to history, in B.E. 2307 (1764) the Burmese invaded Muang
Phetburi but Ayutthaya's troops protected the city. Ban Laem people
in Phetburi migrated to escape from the Burmese and settled down
at Amphoe Mae Klong, further up from Wat Sri Champa, and called
this village Ban Laem, the same name as their former village in
Muang Phetburi.
The people all ptiched in to renovate Wat Sri Champa and gave it
the new name of Wat Ban Laem. Most of the Ban Laem people were fishermen.
One day, they went to catch fish as usual using a net in the Mae
Klong Gulf, two Buddha images were caught in the net: one was a
seated image, another was a standing image. The sitting image of
the Buddha was enshrined at Wat Khao Ta Krau, Phetburi province.
For the second standing image of the Buddha, the image was 1.67
metres high and holding an alms-bowl, unfortunately, the bowl could
not be recovered. This Buddha image was enshrined at Wat Ban Laem
and was called Luang Pho Ban Laem. This is a very sacred Buddha
and many miracles have been associated with this Buddha image amking
the image highly revered by all.
Wat Ban Laem which once was a small and disregarded temple, prospered
and was enlarged mainly from the donations made by the people out
of their faith and from their merit making and worshiping Luang
Pho Ban Laem. Later, this temple was promoted to the status of royal
temple of the class Worawihan and was granted the name of Wat Phet
Samut Worawihan by the King. To replace the lost alms-bowl of Luang
Pho Ban Laem, Prince Phanuphanwongworadej presented a blue glass-bowl
which can still be seen today.
In the temple compound, there is a monk museum, exhibiting Buddha
images, amulets from various periods, artifacts, antiques, and a
pulpit from the Ayutthaya period.
In front of Wat Ban Laem, boat trips are available for a trip along
the Mae Klong River to King Rama II Memorial Park and Damnoen Saduak
Floating Market. Contact Mae Klong Travel Company (under the care
of the Chairman of Samut Songkhram Chamber of Commerce) at 0-3471-3053,
0-1916-3494.
Wat Sathatham
Wat Sathatham is located at Tambon Bang Cha Kreng. The temple is
made from golden teak wood and the inner walls are set with pearl-inlay.
It was built in the year 2535 B.E. (1982) by Phra Khru Samutvisutthiwong,
the former abbot. Inside the main building, Ubosot, there are paintings
depicting Buddha's life, paintings about the Ramayana epic, painting
of famous monks. The temple is highly revered by the people of Samut
Songkhram and people of neighbouring provinces.
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